Date: 25th-27th March, 2022
Location: Dallsas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center, 7600 John Q Hammons Dr., Frisco, TX 75034, USA.

After the 2020 and 2021 shows were cancelled, we’re back in Frisco for the 2022 edition of the Texas Pinball Festival. We’re in the familiar surroundings of the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center which has hosted the show since 2014.

The Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center in Frisco
The Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center in Frisco

As you can see, the weather is excellent and the temperature is good enough not to need a coat when outside in the daytime. The Embassy Suites hotel is the accommodation and dining part of the complex, but the attached Conference Center is where the Texas Pinball Festival is hosted.

The corridor from the hotel to the Conference Center
The corridor from the hotel to the Conference Center

A separate team run the Conference Center, and there is a dedicated entrance at the end of this corridor for those not staying in the hotel.

The Conference Center entrance at the rear of the hotel
The Conference Center entrance at the rear of the hotel

The show opens to the public at 5pm on Friday 25th March, but we got to the venue on Wednesday evening. Even then, the organisational team were hard at work preparing the 1,600+ show registration packets for guests who pre-purchased their tickets this year or had tickets rolled-over from 2020 or 2021 when the show had to be cancelled.

The TPF team working to prepare the show packs for pre-registered guests
The TPF team working to prepare the show packs for pre-registered guests

On Wednesday evening the main show hall was almost completely empty but it wouldn’t be long before the first stands and machines arrived.

The main show hall on Wednesday evening
The main show hall on Wednesday evening

Sure enough, by Thursday morning there were multiple machines on the show floor, although most were still in their boxes.

A collection of Cactus Canyon remakes from Chicago Gaming
A collection of Cactus Canyon remakes from Chicago Gaming
Some Halloween and Ultraman games from Spooky Pinball
Some Halloween and Ultraman games from Spooky Pinball

CoinTaker had a display of four Alien pinballs by Pinball Brothers – two Standard Version and two Limited Version models.

The four Alien pinballs
The four Alien pinballs
Under the playfield of the Limited Version model
Under the playfield of the Limited Version model

There is also a Funhouse game with the new Funhouse: Rudy’s Nightmare kit from Pedretti installed. This adds new rules, a colour LCD main display, a new speaker panel with upgraded speakers and sound system, and a secondary LCD on the playfield replacing the mystery mirror.

A Funhouse with the Rudy's Nightmare kit installed
A Funhouse with the Rudy’s Nightmare kit installed

Marco Specialties are representing Stern Pinball and are expected to have two dozen of the latest Stern machines on their stand. On Thursday morning the stand was still under construction.

The Marco Specialties stand being built
The Marco Specialties stand being built

All machines and vendor items came into the Main Hall through the loading doors at the rear. Games were checked in and recorded before moving to their designated spot in the staging area. This allows machines to be unloaded quickly and the truck in which they came to be moved out of the way to make space for the next delivery.

Machines arriving for the show
Machines arriving for the show

Promotional banners hang from the ceiling throughout the hall and the connecting corridor. With such high ceilings, it’s no small task to attach them.

Hanging some of the show banners in the main hall
Hanging some of the show banners in the Main Hall
Banners also hang in the main corridor outside the hall
Banners also hang in the main corridor outside the hall

The Texas Pinball Festival is run by Paul McKinney and husband and wife team Ed and Kim VanderVeen. They operate out of the organisers room which is also the ticket desk where guests can either pick up their pre-purchased ticket packages or buy daily tickets if they didn’t pre-register.

The ticket desk is almost ready
The ticket desk is almost ready
Banners for the 2019 show which did take place, and the 2020 one which didn't
Banners for the 2019 show which did take place, and the 2020 one which didn’t

This year, the tournaments have been given their own, larger space on the mezzanine level.

The schedule for the many tournaments held at TPF
The schedule for the tournaments held at TPF

When we first visited, none of the tournament machines had yet arrived, but it was clear the new space would be a good fit for tournament play.

The new Tournaments Room
The new Tournaments Room with Colin MacAlpine setting things up
Along with the room with the tournament machines, there is also a separate viewing room
Along with the room with the tournament machines, there is also a separate viewing room where the live stream can be watched
The main hall on Thursday
The Main Hall on Thursday lunchtime

By Friday morning the show hall was taking shape, with just a few hours to go until the guests would be admitted. We took a look around to see the work taking place and what those guests can expect to see.

Some of the games near the Main Hall's entrance
Some of the games near the Main Hall’s entrance

It’s traditional for there to be a Safecracker game near the entrance dispensing custom TPF magic tokens, and this year is no different with a new token design for the 2022 show.

Some of the pinball set up for guests to play
Some of the pinball set up for guests to play
The TPF usually has around 400 pinballs in total from collectors, manufacturers and distributors
The TPF usually has around 400 pinballs in total from collectors, manufacturers and distributors
The special guest at the TPF this year is Sylvester McCoy who will be in the hall later
The special guest at the TPF this year is Sylvester McCoy who will be in the hall later
American Pinball have a mix of titles, focusing on Hot Wheels and Legends of Valhalla
American Pinball have a mix of titles, focusing on Hot Wheels and Legends of Valhalla
Chicago Gaming have eight  Cactus Canyon remake machines
Chicago Gaming have eight Cactus Canyon remake machines
Multimorphic have nine p3 machines, showcasing their latest Weird Al's Museum of Natural Hilarity title
Multimorphic have nine P3 machines, showcasing their latest Weird Al’s Museum of Natural Hilarity title
Marco Specialties are representing Stern Pinball which a big display of their latest titles
Marco Specialties are representing Stern Pinball which a big display of their latest titles
The Marco Specialties stand
The Marco Specialties stand
The History of Pinball exhibit is back
The History of Pinball exhibit is back
There are ten purely-mechanical pre-flipper games to play
There are ten purely-mechanical pre-flipper games to play
More from the History of Pinball display
More from the History of Pinball display
More games are brought in and set up
More games are brought in and set up
This row includes a selection of games by Barry Oursler
This row includes a selection of games by Barry Oursler
CoinTaker have their Alien machines in a gazebo
CoinTaker have their Alien machines in a gazebo
Along with the pinball there is a row of back-to-back arcade video cabinets too
Along with the pinball there is a row of back-to-back arcade video cabinets too
Some of the videos along with more pinballs
Some of the videos along with more pinballs

Meanwhile, qualifying for the Wizards and Classics tournaments began at 10am in the new Tournaments Room. It was busy in the room right from the very start with games being played and competitors collecting their registrations.

In the Tournaments Room
In the Tournaments Room
Players registering
Players registering
The qualifying round of the Wizard and Classic Tournaments began at 10am
The qualifying round of the Wizard and Classic Tournaments began at 10am
There will be a live stream available later
There will be a live stream available later

You can watch the live stream from the tournaments on the Wormhole Pinball Twitch channel.

Outside the Main Hall, a second ticket desk had opened up to cater for those buying on-the-day tickets. Most guests appeared to have pre-registered as the queue for on-the-day tickets was much shorter.

The ticket desk for at-show purchases
The ticket desk for at-show purchases
Pre-registered guest collect their show packs from the main ticket desk
Pre-registered guest collect their show packs from the main ticket desk

For those looking for food options, pizza, tortilla chips and other snacks were available from a counter just outside the Main Hall.

Pizza, snacks and drinks were available in the lobby
Pizza, snacks and drinks were available in the lobby

For more choice, three food trucks were parked just outside the Conference Center entrance.

Two of the food trucks offering Korean noodle bowls and burgers
Two of the food trucks offering Korean noodle bowls and burgers
Pizzas and BBQ meats from this food truck
Pizzas and BBQ meats from this food truck

The doors to the Main Hall opened on-time at 5pm on Friday and there was an immediate inrush of guests eager to check out all the latest games and snap up the best deals from the many vendors.

Opening time for the 2022 TPF
Opening time for the 2022 TPF

Friday also sees the start of the seminars at the Texas Pinball Festival. In fact, they begin even before the Main Hall opens with the first talk taking place at 3:30pm.

Here’s the list of seminars. We’ll add more details to them as they progress.

Friday

3:30pm – Shipping A Pinball Is Easier Than You Think – Dino Gaspari

Dino Gaspari
Dino Gaspari

Dino operates the shipmypinball.com website which offers low-cost worldwide shipping of pinballs through several major shipping companies along with discounted insurance.

He demonstrated how the online service works and explained the various options for collection and delivery, along with their associated costs.

4pm – The Forgotten Tales – Mirco Playfields

Mirco Stefan
Mirco Stefan

Mirco was launching the new Tales of the Arabian Nights upgrade kit called The Forgotten Tales.

This is the latest official “2.0” kit following the recent Funhouse: Rudy’s Nightmare, and it comes with a new speaker panel featuring a full colour display, improved 2-way speakers, new artwork and seven RGB inserts. These inserts correspond with the seven new tales incorporated into the new software.

The new speaker panel in the kit for The Forgotten Tales
The new speaker panel in the kit for The Forgotten Tales

The new tales are The Voyage of Sinbad, The Treasure of Ali-Baba, Flying Horse: The Lost Lands, Save Scheherazade, The Palace Race, Flying Carpet: Escape from the Cave and The Cyclops & The Hydra.

The kit comes with a new FAST Pinball controller, a new larger subwoofer and an autolauncher to replace the manual version in the original game, while the software features new music and new call-outs from the original voice artist, five additional multiball modes and two new video modes.

The kit costs €2677.50 (around $2,950) from Mirco Playfields and is sold initially in a Beta form before being available as a full production version.

Despite repeated questioning from the audience about production problems with his playfields which are used in Jersey Jack Pinball machines, Mirco said he wasn’t able to talk about that subject.

6pm – Completing Cactus Canyon – Chicago Gaming Company

Butch Peel
Butch Peel

Butch Peel from Chicago Gaming Company described the process of developing the company’s latest ‘Remake’ title, Cactus Canyon. He explained how they wanted to keep the existing playfield layout and artwork while enhancing many aspects of the game.

Those enhancements included full RGB LED lighting throughout, updating the whole electronics system and speakers, producing new high-resolution graphics to be displayed on a full-colour LCD display, and additional additional gameplay into the software.

7pm – Indie Pinball Designers, Inquire Within – FAST Pinball

Co-Founder, Aaron Davis, and the company’s newest employee, Brian Madden, took to the stage to talk about the latest products from FAST Pinball.

Aaron Davis
Aaron Davis
Brian Madden
Brian Madden

In particular they talked about their new initiative for developers of game mods which make integrating a mod’s functionality into the game much easier, especially if that game is already running on FAST Pinball controllers.

8pm – Jersey Jack Pinball – Jack Guarnieri & Steve Ritchie

Jack Guarnieri
Jack Guarnieri
Steve Ritchie
Steve Ritchie

Jack and Steve spoke about their history working together in the pinball business when Jack’s Pinball Sales company was one of Stern Pinball’s biggest distributors and Steve was designing games for Stern. They went on to explain how the opportunity arose for Steve to join Jersey Jack Pinball in August last year.

Jack and Steve
Jack and Steve

Steve said he had just cut the first whitewood – the initial playfield which is used to fine-tune the shots and placement of components – for his first game for Jersey Jack Pinball.

Jack said it wasn’t impossible to company would launch two new titles this year, saying their next game should be announced by July/August.

9pm – 43 Years Of Adventures In Pinball – Todd Tuckey

Todd Tuckey
Todd Tuckey

Todd was joined on stage by his TNT Amusements colleagues John and Frank to relate stories from their many years in the pinball and coin-op games business, including some of the company’s early TV advertisements and news show appearances.

The TNT Amusements team
The TNT Amusements team of Todd, John and Frank

You can watch videos of all the seminars on the Texas Pinball Festival’s Twitch stream at twitch.tv/texas_pinball_seminar.

Saturday

Saturday begins, as usual at TPF, with the swap meet organised by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club and held in the car park for the Convention Center.

The swap meet in the car park
The swap meet in the car park

The weather continued to be fine and there was a good number of both sellers and buyers out in the sunshine. Officially the swap meet began at 8am but there were plenty of early birds looking to grab that irresistibly juicy deal.

The swap meet in the car park
The swap meet in the car park
The swap meet is organised by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club
The swap meet is organised by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club
Assorted coin-op parts and games
Assorted coin-op parts and games
More assorted coin-op parts and games
More assorted coin-op parts and games
Another truck arrives and begins unloading
Another truck arrives and begins unloading
Part of the tradition of the swap meet is free coffee and doughnuts
Part of the tradition of the swap meet is free coffee and doughnuts

The seminar schedule resumed at noon in the show’s dedicated Seminar Hall.

12pm – How To Find, Buy & Own Your First Pinball Machine – Nick Greenup

Nick Greenup
Nick Greenup

Nick explained the common mistakes and the preferred ways to get your own pinball machine. He included the different services offered by distributors and the service levels you should be looking for according to your mechanical and electrical abilities.

1pm – American Pinball

American Pinball’s newly-promoted Executive Vice President, David Fix, led this seminar.

David Fix
David Fix

He was joined by Barry Engler, Joe Schoeber and Steven Bowden to talk about the company’s upcoming production schedule with reruns of earlier American Pinball titles alongside their current release, Legends of Valhalla.

Barry Engler
Barry Engler
Joe Schober
Joe Schober
Steven Bowden
Steven Bowden

Along with announcing artist Christopher Franchi would be working on one of their upcoming releases, David awarded prizes of two Legends of Valhalla backglasses and a playfield from the game for those who got questions about the company correct.

2pm – Q&A with Legendary Doctor Who Actor – Sylvester McCoy

The TPF’s special guest star was Sylverster McCoy who was usually to be found in the main show hall greeting guests, signing memorabilia and posing for photos, but in this seminar he answered questions about his life in acting with particular focus on his roles as The Doctor in Doctor Who and Radagast the Brown in The Hobbit.

Sylvester McCoy
Sylvester McCoy

He proved to be exceptionally entertaining, humorous and down-to-earth, recounting tales from the making of Doctor Who and how he developed his interpretation of the role.

3pm – P3 Chapter 2: Things Have Gotten Weird – Multimorphic

Multimorphic’s head, Gerry Stellenberg, was next. After briefly explaining how the P3 pinball platform was developed he talked about the creation of the company’s newest release, Weird Al’s Museum of Natural Hilarity.

Gerry Stellenberg
Gerry Stellenberg

Gerry was joined by T.J. Weaver the mechanical engineer on the game, Stephen Silver who was the lead designer, and Scott Danesi who created the sound package.

T.J. Weaver, Stephen Silver and Scott Danesi
T.J. Weaver, Stephen Silver and Scott Danesi

Gerry had a Standard Edition and a Limited Edition model in the room to illustrate the differences and demonstrate how the interactive topper operated. He talked about the design challenges and current production timelines for both the Weird Al game kit and the P3 base system.

4pm – Inside Connected Pinball – Jay Adelson, Ryan White, Ken Cromwell, Joe Schober & Scott Danesi

Jay Adelson
Jay Adelson

Jay is one of the founders of Scorbit, the hardware and software platform which connects pinball machines around the world.

Joining Jay for this discussion on the benefits and possibilities which come from connecting a pinball to a central server to record and share machine data were Ryan White of Chicago Gaming, Ken Cromwell of Jersey Jack Pinball, Joe Schober from American Pinball and Scott Danesi from Multimorphic.

Ryan White, Ken Cromwell, Jay Adelson, Joe Schober and Scott Danesi
Ryan White, Ken Cromwell, Jay Adelson, Joe Schober and Scott Danesi

5pm – Restorations & Rethemes: Pimp Your Pinball – Ken Head & Jeff Miller

Ken began this seminar by detailing his history in pinball repairs, restorations and customisations, how he grew his collection and his business to the point where he is currently doing one complete restoration or repainting a month.

Ken Head and Jeff Miller
Ken Head and Jeff Miller

Jeff founded the company Pinball Pimp, having a design and print background in his earlier career. He described his initial pinball work, creating backglasses, playfield plastics and cabinet stencils to the point where Pinball Pimp has stencils for over 330 different titles.

The two explained the techniques they use in their restoration and customisation projects, answering questions from the audience about the best methods, products and companies to use.

6pm – So You Think You Know Pinball? Trivia Quiz – Martin Ayub & Jonathan Joosten

The action moved from the Seminars Hall to the Cypress Lounge for the regular So You Think You Know Pinball? prize pinball trivia quiz hosted by Pinball News Editor, Martin Ayub, and Pinball Magazine Editor, Jonathan Joosten.

Martin Ayub and Jonathan Joosten ask the questions and award prizes
Martin Ayub and Jonathan Joosten ask the questions and award prizes
(picture: Ross Simpson)

The duo asked varied questions about pinball and provided two possible answers to each. Players moved to the left side of the play area if they thought the first possible answer was correct, or the right side for the second possible answer. Those who picked the correct answer continued to the next round.

When there were just a few contestants left, they all got to pick a ticket for one of the many prizes which included a Guns ‘N Roses playfield, a Legends of Valhalla backglass, translites for The Avengers: Infinity Quest, Deadpool and Godzilla as well as multiple hoodies, T-shirts, baseball hats, mugs, and much more generously donated by the quiz’s sponsors Jersey Jack Pinball, American Pinball, Stern Pinball, Spooky Pinball, ColorDMD, Sunshine Laundromat, Pinball Magazine, Pinball News and the Texas Pinball Festival.

8pm – 2021 TWIPY Awards

This fifth edition of the annual awards show began at 8:30pm in the Seminars Room with Imoto Harney and Jack Danger compering.

The TWIPPY Awards ceremony
The TWIPPY Awards ceremony

The results for each category were:

  • Best Music and Sound Effects: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Favourite Home Brew Pinball Machine: Ferris Bueller, Brian Soares and Reby Hardy
  • Best Theme: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Favourite Pinball Location: Next Level Pinball Museum, Hillsboro, OR, USA
  • Favourite Accessories: Insider Connected Kits, Stern Pinball
  • Best Toys and Gimmicks: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Favourite Pinball Convention: Pinball Expo, Chicago
  • Best Theme Integration: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Favourite Website: Pinside
  • Best Rules: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Best Animations and Display: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Favourite Pinball YouTube Channel: TNT Amusements
  • Best Callouts: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Best Pinball Mod of 2021: The Mandalorian, Animated Interactive Grogu
  • Favourite Pinball Streamer: Dead Flip, Jack Danger
  • Best Lightshow: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Favourite Pinball Topper of 2021: Halloween, Spooky Pinball
  • Favourite Pinball Podcast: Kaneda’s Pinball Podcast
  • Best Artwork: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Favourite Mobile App: Pinball Map
  • Best Playfield Gameplay and Layout: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
  • Game of the Year: Godzilla, Stern Pinball
Jack Danger and Imoto Harney
Jack Danger and Imoto Harney

You can see a full breakdown of the voting on the twipys.com website and can watch the whole presentation on YouTube, with the show starting 30 minutes into the recording:

It’s the 2021 TWIPY Awards held at the 2022 Texas Pinball Festival

We took the opportunity of the awards ceremony to join a large group heading to the local Hard 8 BBQ smokehouse for dinner, so only caught the very end of the event. It appeared to be well attended and appreciated by the live audience, although there were obviously technical issues over the sound quality and the order of the award announcements which, we are told, will be addressed for next year’s ceremony.

10pm – TWIPY After Party – Marco Specialties, Pinball Life & Texas Pinball Festival

Once the awards were over, attendees could dance to music provided by DJ mTort, Scott Danesi and DQB.

Scott Danesi DJing the TWIPY After Party
Scott Danesi DJing the TWIPY After Party
(picture: Ross Simpson)

Meanwhile, the Main Hall was busy throughout the show, with the most guests visiting on Saturday. We took a tour of the hall, taking pictures and playing a few select games. We revisited on Sunday when it was a little quieter so we could shoot out Thirty Minute Tour video which you’ll find below.

The front desk was usually busy selling TPF T-shirts and other show merchandise
The front desk was usually busy selling TPF T-shirts and other show merchandise
There is always a selection of exceptional machines near the entrance
There is always a selection of exceptional machines near the entrance
The show's special guest, Sylvester McCoy had a booth to meet visitors, sign memorabilia and have photos taken
The show’s special guest, Sylvester McCoy had a booth to meet visitors, sign memorabilia and have photos taken

Let’s see who else had a stand at TPF.

Spooky Pinball has two Halloween and two Ultraman machines on their stand
Spooky Pinball had two Ultraman and two Halloween machines on their stand
Brian Allen was showing his new Cactus Canyon backbox artwork
Brian Allen was showing his new Cactus Canyon backbox artwork
Lit Kit flippers were displayed on the arcademade.com stand
Lit Kit flippers were displayed on the arcademade.com stand
The illuminated Lit Kit flippers
The illuminated Lit Kit flippers
Little Shop of Games had a booth but only appeared to offer free pens, keychains and stickers
Little Shop of Games had a booth but only appeared to offer free promotional pens, keychains and stickers
Silverball Swag had a nice selection of pinball-themed T-shirts, caps, socks, and mugs
Silverball Swag had a nice selection of pinball-themed T-shirts, caps, socks, and mugs
Solid State Pinball Supply had a wide range of parts, add-ons, protection and enhancements for your games
Solid State Pinball Supply had a wide range of parts, add-ons, protection and enhancements for your games
American Pinball brought four Hot Wheels, four Legends of Valhalla along with an Oktoberfest and a Houdini
American Pinball brought four Hot Wheels, four Legends of Valhalla along with an Oktoberfest and a Houdini
Mirco Playfields had numerous new playfields as well as their new The Forgotten Tales upgrade kit for Tales of the Arabian Nights
Mirco Playfields had numerous new playfields as well as their new The Forgotten Tales upgrade kit for Tales of the Arabian Nights
Headsup Pinball were showing four examples of their restoration work
Headsup Pinball were showing four examples of their restoration work
Pinball Pimp  were showing part of their large range of cabinet stencils and decals
Pinball Pimp were showing part of their large range of cabinet stencils and decals
Las Vegas Playfields were exhibiting examples of their restoration and clearcoating service
Las Vegas Playfields were exhibiting examples of their restoration and clearcoating service
Texas Shottakers had several shooting games for guests to enjoy
Texas Shottakers had several shooting games for guests to enjoy
PinGraffix had an impressive display of animated lighted artblades as well as metallic interior cabinet decals
PinGraffix had an impressive display of animated lighted artblades as well as metallic interior cabinet decals
CoinTaker had machines from several manufacturers as well as a big range of parts and mods
CoinTaker had machines from several manufacturers as well as a big range of parts and mods
Titan Pinball were selling a new bumpercap design, animated back panel displays, ring kits and other assorted pinball parts
Titan Pinball were selling a new bumpercap design, animated back panel displays, ring kits and other assorted pinball parts
Shipmypinball were on hand to show how to get a cheap deal on pinball shipping
Shipmypinball were on hand to show how to get a cheap deal on pinball shipping
Multimorphic had nine P3 machines with assorted games
Multimorphic had nine P3 machines with assorted games
The two machines with the new Weird Al's Museum of Natural Hilarity constantly has lines waiting to play
The two machines with the new Weird Al’s Museum of Natural Hilarity constantly has lines waiting to play
Mezel Mods were showing their range of pinball mods and accessories
Mezel Mods were showing their range of pinball mods and accessories
Arcade Things had a large stand with assorted gaming accessories
Arcade Things had a large stand with assorted gaming accessories
More of the Arcade Things stand
More of the Arcade Things stand
The Pinball Network were at the show to promote their streaming and podcast shows
The Pinball Network were at the show to promote their streaming and podcast shows
Artist Christopher Franchi was selling and signing some of his many artwork pieces
Artist Christopher Franchi was selling and signing some of his many artwork pieces
Pinball Art USA were showing examples of their reproduction backglasses
Pinball Art USA were showing examples of their reproduction backglasses
Kahr.us were demonstrating their circuit boards and the WPC Power Fix board in particular
Kahr.us were demonstrating their circuit boards and the WPC Power Fix board in particular
Keith Holbrook's Total Pinball Restoration had a Flash and a Gold Strike to show the quality of their work
Keith Holbrook’s Total Pinball Restoration had a Flash and a Gold Strike to show the quality of their work
Kimballs Pinballs features a highly-modded Elvira's House of Horrors on their stand
Kimballs Pinballs features a highly-modded Elvira’s House of Horrors on their stand
Wizard Enterprises had a large stand offering illuminated pinball displays alongside their familiar bumper caps night lights
Wizard Enterprises had a large stand offering illuminated pinball displays alongside their familiar bumper caps night lights
Pinball night lights alongside illuminated standups and backglasses
Pinball night lights alongside illuminated standups and backglasses
Jersey Jack Pinball had six of their Guns 'N Roses machines, all with overhead cameras and monitors
Jersey Jack Pinball had six of their Guns ‘N Roses Limited Edition machines, with overhead cameras and monitors
The six Jersey Jack Pinball machines
The six Jersey Jack Pinball machines
The National Videogame Museum had a few retro consoles for guests to play
The National Videogame Museum had a few retro consoles for guests to play

In addition to the display above, there were regular free shuttle buses from the Texas Pinball Festival to the National Videogame Museum which is located around four miles north of the TPF’s venue.

The bus to the National Videogame Museum
The bus to the National Videogame Museum
The Mayfair Amusement Co. had a large stand of assorted pinball parts, backglasses, flyers and documentation
The Mayfair Amusement Co. had a large stand of assorted pinball parts, backglasses, flyers and documentation
Assorted plastics and crates of flyers and manuals
Assorted plastics and crates of flyers and manuals
VPcabs had their familiar large display of digital pinball machines
VPcabs had their familiar large display of digital pinball machines
The Game Preserve had their large stand featuring assorted pinball and video games
The Game Preserve had their large stand featuring assorted pinball and video games
Inside The Game Preserve's stand
Inside The Game Preserve’s stand
Along with running the Swap Meet, the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club brought plenty of machines to the show
Along with running the Swap Meet, the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club brought plenty of machines to the show
Chris Munro had his regular range of arcade glasses, manuals and other parts
Chris Munro had his regular range of arcade glasses, manuals and other parts

We saw the History of Pinball exhibition during set-up, but by opening time more machines had been added.

Some of the History of Pinball exhibits
Some of the History of Pinball exhibits
More of the History of Pinball exhibits
More of the History of Pinball exhibits

One of the two Airway machines above had the playfield removed and placed in front of the game so people could see how the balls which drop through the holes are guided under the playfield.

Fun! had a big selection of various arcade machines on their stand
Fun! had a big selection of various arcade machines on their stand
Hockey and sit-down drivers on the Fun! stand
Hockey and sit-down drivers on the Fun! stand
In addition to their appearance at the Connected Pinball seminar, Scorbit also had a stand promoting their platform
In addition to their appearance at the Connected Pinball seminar, Scorbit also had a stand promoting their platform
Marco Specialties were representing Stern Pinball with a huge display of The Mandalorian, Godzilla and Rush machines
Marco Specialties were representing Stern Pinball with a huge display of The Mandalorian, Godzilla and Rush machines
More Stern Pinball games on the Marco Specialties stand
More Stern Pinball games on the Marco Specialties stand
Stern's latest Rush game was heavily promoted
Stern’s latest Rush game was heavily promoted
Pinball apparel company Double Danger had plenty of T-shirts, shorts and caps
Pinball apparel company Double Danger had plenty of T-shirts, shorts and caps
Back Alley Creations had a large table to display their pinball add-ons and mods
Back Alley Creations had a large table to display their pinball add-ons and mods
Lord of the Game Room had two stands on either side of the corridor selling game mods and T-shirts
Lord of the Game Room had two stands on either side of the corridor selling game mods and T-shirts
The Lord of the Game Room's second stand
The Lord of the Game Room’s second Rush-themed stand
FAST Pinball had three machines on their stand to demonstrate their pinball controllers and drivers
FAST Pinball had three machines on their stand to demonstrate their pinball controllers and drivers
Chicago Gaming Company had eight of their Cactus Canyon remake machines - three with their interactive topper
Chicago Gaming Company had eight of their Cactus Canyon remake machines – three with their interactive topper
EZ Pinball were showing their new pinball cabinets and light boards
EZ Pinball were showing their new pinball cabinets and light boards
Starship Fantasy had their familiar long table of reproduction plastic ramps, playfields and backglasses
Starship Fantasy had their familiar long table of reproduction plastic ramps, playfields and backglasses
Pinball Photos were selling prints, placemats, T-shirts and magnets featuring their beautiful pinball imagery
Pinball Photos were selling prints, placemats, T-shirts and magnets featuring their beautiful pinball imagery
Pinball Basement had a stand to promote their replacement pinball CPU and driver boards
Pinball Basement had a stand to promote their replacement pinball CPU and driver boards
Comet Pinball were selling their popular range of pinball LEDs
Comet Pinball were selling their popular range of pinball LEDs
Pinball Wheezer had their regular assortment of branded clothing and memorabilia
Pinball Wheezer had their regular assortment of branded clothing and memorabilia
The Houston Arcade Expo had several games set up to promote their show
The Houston Arcade Expo had several games set up to promote their show

Here’s our list of the 316 pinballs we counted in the Main Hall on Sunday morning at this year’s show:

300Junk Yard
Addams Family, TheJurassic Park Pin
Addams Family, TheKing Pin
Addams Family, TheKiss (Bally)
Air AcesKiss (Bally)
Alice Cooper’s Nightmare CastleKiss (Bally)
AlienKiss (Stern)
AlienLast Action Hero
AlienLectronamo
AlienLed Zeppelin
AlienLegends of Valhalla
America’s Most HauntedLegends of Valhalla
Apollo 13Legends of Valhalla
Apollo 13*Legends of Valhalla
AstroLethal Weapon 3
Attack from MarsLethal Weapon 3
Avatar*Lexy Lightspeed: Escape from Earth
Bad CatsLights, Camera, Action!
Bali-HiLost in Space
Batman (DE)Lost World
Batman (DE)Lucky Strike*
Batman ForeverMandalorian, The
Beat the ClockMandalorian, The
Big CasinoMandalorian, The
Big GunsMandalorian, The
Big HouseMandalorian, The
Big Lebowski, TheMandalorian, The
Billy MadisonMandalorian, The
Black JackMandalorian, The
Black Knight 2000Mandalorian, The
Black Knight 2000Mandalorian, The
Boys Night OutMaverick
BreakshotMeteor
Bride of Pinbot, The MachineMonster Bash
Bride of Pinbot, The MachineMonte Carlo
Bride of Pinbot, The MachineMr. & Mrs. Pac-Man
Cactus Canyon remakeNASCAR
Cactus Canyon remakeNBA Fastbreak
Cactus Canyon remakeNBA Fastbreak
Cactus Canyon remakeNight Moves
Cactus Canyon remakeNine Ball
Cactus Canyon remakeNitro Ground Shaker
Cactus Canyon remakeNitro Ground Shaker
Cactus Canyon remakeNitro Ground Shaker
Cannon LagoonNo Fear
Capt. Fantastic (Home Edition)No Good Gofers
Caribbean CruiseOktoberfest
Centigrade 37Paragon
Champion Pub, TheParagon
CheckpointParty Animal
Cirqus VoltaireParty Zone, The
Cirqus VoltairePhantom of the Opera
CleopatraPhilina
CleopatraPinbot
CleopatraPinbot
CometPink Panther
CometPower Play, Bobby Orr’s
Comet*Primus
CongoProspector*
CongoRevenge from Mars
CorvetteRick and Morty
Count-DownRick and Morty
Creature from the Black LagoonRiverboat Gambler
CSIRocket
CycloneRo-Go
Dale JrRollercoaster Tycoon
Demolition ManRollergames
Diamond Jack*Rollergames
Dike DokeRush
Dirty HarryRush
Dirty HarryRush
Disco*Rush
Doctor WhoRush
Doctor WhoRush
Doctor WhoRush
Doctor Who*Rush
Dracula, Bram Stoker’sRush
Earthshaker!Rush
ElfRush
Evel KnievelRush*
Evel KnievelSafecracker
Evel KnievelSafecracker
Evel Knievel (Home Edition)*Satellite
Evel Knievel*Scorpion
F-14 TomcatScorpion
Fireball (Home Edition)Shadow, The
Fish TalesShadow, The
Fish TalesSharkey’s Shootout
Fish TalesSharpshooter
Fish TalesSimpsons Pinball Party, The
Fish TalesSimpsons Pinball Party, The
FlashSinbad
FlashSix Million Dollar Man, The
Flash GordonSix Million Dollar Man, The
Flight 2000Sky Jump
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley’sSorcerer
FreefallSorcerer’s Apprentice
FrontierSorcerer’s Apprentice
FunhouseSpace Mission
FunlandSpace Shuttle
Galaxy RangerSpace Shuttle
Game of ThronesSpider-Man
Game Show, The BallySpinal Tap (Conversion)
GenieStar Gazer
GenieStar Trek (Bally)
Getaway, The: High Speed 2Star Trek (DE)
Getaway, The: High Speed 2Star Trek (Stern)*
Ghost BustersStar Trek: The Mirror Universe
GladiatorsStar Trek: The Next Generation
GodzillaStar Trek: The Next Generation
GodzillaStar Wars (DE)
Godzilla (Sega)Stardust
Godzilla (Stern)Stargate
Godzilla (Stern)Stargate*
Godzilla (Stern)Strange Science
Godzilla (Stern)Street Fighter II
Gold StrikeSuper Star
GorgarSure Shot*
GorgarSweet Hearts
GorgarSwords of Fury
GorgarTales from the Crypt
Grand SlamTales from the Crypt*
Gulfstream*Tales of the Arabian Nights
Guns ‘N Roses (JJP)Tales of the Arabian Nights: The Forgotten Tales
Guns ‘N Roses (JJP)Target Alpha
Guns ‘N Roses (JJP)Team One
Guns ‘N Roses (JJP)Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (DE)*
Guns ‘N Roses (JJP)Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Guns ‘N Roses (JJP)Theatre of Magic
HalloweenTheatre of Magic
HalloweenTheatre of Magic*
Harley Davidson (Stern)Title Fight
Heads Up!Total Nuclear Annihilation
Heads Up!Transformers
HeistTri Zone
High Roller CasinoTrident
High SpeedTron: Legacy
High SpeedTron: Legacy
Hot WheelsTron: Legacy
Hot WheelsTwister
Hot WheelsUltraman
Hot WheelsUltraman
Hot WheelsViper
Hot WheelsWeird Al’s Museum of Natural Hilarity
HoudiniWeird Al’s Museum of Natural Hilarity
HurricaneWhirlwind
Independence Day*Wild Fyre
Indiana Jones: The Pinball AdventureWilly Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Indiana Jones: The Pinball AdventureWing Ding
Iron ManWizard
Iron ManWizard of Oz, The
Jack in the BoxWorld Challenge Soccer
JackbotWorld Cup Soccer
Jacks OpenWorld Cup Soccer
Johnny MnemonicWorld Cup Soccer
JoustWWF Royal Rumble
Judge DreddXenon
Junk YardZissou
* indicates game was not working at the time we made the list

In addition, there were seventeen more machines which made up the History of Pinball exhibition.

AirwayMajor League
AirwayMaster Play Boy
BallyroundOfficial
Big Broadcast SpecialPlay Boy
FavoriteRelay Deluxe
FisticuffsSpit Fire
Fleet Jr.Wings
JoyWorld’s Series
Kings 
The History of Pinball exhibits

Throughout the show, visitors could purchase raffle tickets to win a brand new Willy Wonka pinball machine by Jersey Jack Pinball. The draw would take place during the closing awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

More raffle entries are added to the drum
More raffle entries are added to the drum

Meanwhile, the final rounds of the Texas Wizards Tournament were taking place on Saturday night.

The semi-finals of the Texas Wizards Tournament
The semi-finals of the Texas Wizards Tournament

160 players were confirmed to compete, with a further 125 on a waiting list in case anyone dropped out.

The final was contested by Steven Bowden, Raymond Davidson, Chris Frame and Preston Moncla and was played over three machines – Aztec, Flash Gordon and Dialed In! – with a 4-2-1-0 scoring system.

Despite coming last on Aztec, Raymond Davidson went on to win the second and third games to give him 8 points and first place.

The final begins on Aztec
The final begins on Aztec

Steven Bowden took third and two seconds to end up second overall with 5 points. Preston Moncla and Chris Frame tied on 4 points each, so played a tie-breaker which Preston won to take third place.

Sunday

The Main Hall opened at 10am but it was a truncated day at the TPF as the closing ceremony took place in the Seminars Room at 2:30pm, hosted by show co-organiser, Ed VanderVeen.

Ed welcomes the audience to the closing ceremony
Ed welcomes the audience to the closing ceremony

To help relax after three days of action stress balls were distributed to the audience, although the method of distribution might have induced even more stress.

Stress balls were fired at the audience from launcher guns
Stress balls were fired at the audience from launcher guns

It is a tradition of the TPF that Best-in-Show awards are presented in a range of categories to those who brought games. In each category there were two runners-up and a winner, as chosen by Rich Wiski, Scott Martin, Keith Holbrook and Bill Morrison.

The winner plaques and runner-up rosettes in each category
The winner plaques and runner-up rosettes in each category

There was also an overall winner of the Grand Champion award. All category and Grand Champion winners received a plaque and a cash award, presented by Bill Morrison.

Bill Morrison and Ed VanderVeen present the awards
Bill Morrison and Ed VanderVeen present the awards

The category winners were:

  • Best Pre-’60s: Airway, History of Pinball Exhibition
  • Best ’60s: Ding, Colin Dowling
  • Best ’70s Electromechanical: Wizard, Ken Head
  • Best ’70s Solid-State: Sharpshooter, Jeff Bolich
  • Best ’80s: Freefall, Bill Stahly
  • Best ’90s: Lethal Weapon 3, James Alexander
  • Best ’00s: Dale, Jr., Jason Turcyn
  • Best Modern: Alien, Bobby Niefer/Lord of the Game Room
  • Best Original: Spit Fire, Damon White
  • Best Restoration: Batman, Jessica Richardson
  • Best Custom Pinball: Billy Madison, Stupid Pinball
  • Best Classic Video: Target Zero, Lonny Payne
  • Best Custom/Innovative Video: Mortal Kombat 11 Extreme, Rodney Black
  • Grand Champion: High Speed 2: The Getaway, Cary Hardy
Grand Champion winner, Cary Hardy
Grand Champion winner, Cary Hardy
All the Best-In-Show category winners
All the Best-In-Show category winners

The final event of the closing ceremony was the raffle draw for the new Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory pinball.

The winning ticket was drawn by the show’s special guest, Sylvester McCoy.

Sylvester McCoy picks the winning raffle ticket
Sylvester McCoy picks the winning raffle ticket

The game was won by Gary Walters.

Gary Walters with Sylvester McCoy and the raffle prize of a new Willy Wonka game
Gary Walters with Sylvester McCoy and the raffle prize of a new Willy Wonka game

With the raffle draw completed, the show officially closed and breakdown of the machines, stands and, yes, even the TARDIS could begin.

Time to tear down the show
Time to tear down the show
4:40pm on Sunday and most of the TPF2022 Main Hall stands have gone
4:40pm on Sunday and most of the TPF2022 Main Hall stands have gone
Everything has to leave, one way or another
Everything has to leave, one way or another
But not before the seventh Doctor left his mark
But not before the seventh Doctor left his mark

We hope you’ve enjoyed our coverage of the Texas Pinball Festival 2022. Will be back with more information from this year’s show, so check back to this page for all the latest updates.

In the meantime, here’s out exclusive Pinball News Thirty Minute Tour video of the main show hall at the Texas Pinball Festival 2022, shot on the Sunday morning.

Our Thirty Minute Tour
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